How ‘bout a Slice?
Florence Li checks out the city’s best cake shops
The next time you meet a friend for coffee, why not grab a slice of cake to go with it? Dessert-lovers know that cake doesn’t necessarily have to come at the end of a meal, so here a few good places where you can sit comfortably, have a great cup of coffee and most importantly, satisfy your sweet tooth.
Antique Patisserie Tea Room
A vision of gold and cream, this French Victorian inspired tearoom is as decadent as it gets.
The cake Cakes, macaroons, cookies and a few other treats. The tearoom features an assortment of cheesecakes, including the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake, while the rest are mostly mousse-based cakes in flavors like green tea, fig and a creamy-but-not-too-sweet banana mouse tart.
Good for High tea with friends.
Also good for Indulging yourself with their homemade chocolates.
Price $50-$68 for tea sets and $125-$188 for high-tea sets.
32 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2542-2816
Cova Café
The Lee Gardens branch of Cova is the epitome of Italian elegance. With crystal chandeliers, suede chairs and antiques flown in straight from Italy, it’s not surprising that celebrities are regular patrons.
The cake The mango cream dome cake is a thing of beauty - creamy, light and just a bit tangy. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, try the Envol cake, which has a crispy chocolate base and an orange crème brulee on top. For the more health-conscious, give the new honey-flavored oatmeal sundae a taste.
Good for A romantic seven-course dinner.
Also good for Business meetings - you can rent the private room.
Price $98 for a cake set, includes a slice of cake and coffee; $108 for the tea set.
Lee Gardens One, 33 Hysan Ave., Causeway Bay, 2907 3399
Epoch
This coffee lounge and quasi art gallery is probably the coolest place you’ll ever have dessert. Art displays are changed every three months (this month features funky street art canvases from local art collective, ST/ART).
The cake Renowned French pastry chef Etienne Irazoqui has just designed a new plated dessert menu (served after 6pm), which includes the deconstructed apple pie and an intriguing red wine soup made with strawberries simmered in red wine and spices. And for chocolate fiends, four words: seven layer chocolate cake.
Good for A quality caffeine fix. Try a coffee cocktail for a drink with a kick.
Also good for Hanging out to the mixed house and jazz beats of in-house DJ Preston Lau.
Price $50-$78 for plated desserts and $30 for pastries
12-14 Wing Fung St., Admiralty, 3525-1570